Altus High School golfer Natalie Blonien added to the family trophy shelf last spring when, as a sophomore, she won the individual state title at the 5A golf state championships.

“I couldn’t believe I had just won my first state championship,” Blonien says, “and having my sister there in the crowd watching me accomplish one of my many goals was even better.”

Megan Blonien won four consecutive state titles at Altus before playing at Oklahoma State and later Florida Gulf Coast. They found each other on the course at Chickasaw Pointe in Kingston after the younger Blonien’s one-stroke victory. “The hug and tears we cherished together after we found out I had won will never be forgotten,” Natalie says. “I learn from her all the time whether it’s through fundamentals, course management, or swing instruction she has truly been a big help to my golf game.”

Off to a strong start this season, Blonien has already captured victories at three of four tournaments played.

“I don’t really feel like the pressure goes away but there is definitely more confidence after winning one.”

“This being [Blonien’s] junior year,” Altus head golf coach Randall Coffman says, “she has picked up where she left off with individual early season tournament wins and is working to return to state to make an impact.”

“I still have a few more weeks to perform in these tournaments and get the best practice and mindset for the big day,” Blonien says. “My goals this year are to get recruited by one of my top college picks and to play to the best of my abilities to hopefully win another state championship.”

Blonien wasn’t the only Bulldogs golfer to stand atop the podium’s apex last year. Gunner Hamon, who was recently named an All-State swimmer (a sport in which Blonien also excels), won the 5A state title as a junior by four strokes. Blonien credits Hamon’s success as motivation.

“Gunner and I have been friends since we were about 5 years old, and everything has always been a competition between us,” Blonien says. “I love it though, always having someone to compete with. With the both of us winning state last year, it was really awesome to experience it together and to make history for our little town.”